The search is on to find Scotland’s Best Bar or Pub as entries open for the Scottish Thistle Awards 2025. The award is one of 18 up for grabs in the annual competition which celebrates the best of the best in Scottish tourism.
Last year, The Cross Key Inns in Ettrickbridge near Selkirk, Scottish Borders claimed the coveted title of Best Pub or Bar for the second year running. Judges were particularly impressed to see that the business has continued to develop further, moving into new markets and enhancing the product on offer
On receiving the award at the national final held in Glasgow in November, Rory and Vicki Steel, owners of The Cross Keys Inn said: “We’re absolutely blown away to have won this award for the second year running! It’s wonderful to be recognised and rewarded for the huge effort our team makes every day to raise the bar in Scottish hospitality. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in putting the Cross Keys Inn right back where it belongs at the heart of our local community.”
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have helped shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnership- working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.
Delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
The Best Bar or Pub category aims to celebrate the key role of bars and pubs as part of the Scottish visitor’s memorable experience by recognising those offering an authentic, cultural experience with a warm welcome.
2024 saw more than 700 entries submitted, as well as hundreds of nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, agritourism businesses, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.
Entries to the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards, with new headline sponsor, Abbey – The Destination Experts, part of Abbey Group, close on 28 April. The deadline for nominations is 31 March
Colin Wilkinson, SLTA Manager Director said: “The Scottish Licensed Trade Association is proud to continue supporting the Scottish Thistle Awards which includes the Best Bar or Pub category.
The prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate Scotland’s important tourism industry and Scotland’s pubs and bars are a key integral part of the sector with nearly 75% of visitors venturing into our pubs and bars. The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise those who have gone the extra mile to provide the best visitor experiences and also showcase the best the licensed hospitality industry has to offer.
Entries are now open and the SLTA would encourage nominations from all those that make up the widely diverse range of premises that are Scotland’s pubs and bars. So put your nomination forward now and open up more opportunities to showcase your pub or bar.”
Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, added: “The Scottish Thistle Awards represent an exciting opportunity for individuals, businesses and events to gain recognition for all the hard work they do to make Scotland such a must-visit, must-return destination.
“Scottish Thistle Award winners join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country. This helps ensure that industry, and the individuals who work in it, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.
“Entering is free so if you believe you represent the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry make sure to take part.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Regional winners for Central, East and the West will be announced at two regional finals delivered by VisitScotland in September and October.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
For more information and to enter the Scottish Thistle Awards, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk